Japan 2009 Photos

Walk/Don't Walk sign. Instead of a numerical countdown the number of red bars decreases to indicate how much time is left before the sign changes.

Takayama market

Takayama market

Saru Bobo (baby monkey) a popular souvenir in Takayama

Sake brewery in Takayama. When the cedar ball turns brown the sake is ready

Sake tasting

Kaji-Bashi bridge, famous for its Te-naga Ashi-naga or 'long-arm long-feet' bronze sculptures adorning the bridge.

Afternoon tea in Takayama

Kanazawa - Kotoji stone lantern in Kenroku-en garden

Kanazawa - Kenroku Garden

Oldest fountain in Japan built n 1861 driven strictly by gravity.

Shirakawago

Shirakawago

Shirakawago

Shirakawago

Our guide Masako Yamada and a rice field in Shirakawago

"Each day in life is training. Training for myself. Though failure is possible, living each moment equal to anything ready for everything. I am alive - I am this moment. My future is here and now. For if I cannot endure today, when and where will I?" by Buddhist Priest Soen Ozeki. Daisen-in Zen Temple, Kyoto